Welcome to the New Year!We hope everybody enjoyed spending time with family and loved ones over the holidays. Alas, as always, this time must come to an end. Thankfully, the new year promises to be a great one. This month we will begin by exploring the weather and other seasonal happenings. Our units are as follows:

Did You Know...Many people refer to two year olds as "the terrible twos!" We disagree. Two year olds are spunky, ready to explore EVERYTHING, and overall full of life! Oftentimes, we as adults forget that children just need to be children. Sometimes we expect them to sit still, or be quiet, or clean up ALL of their toys, leading to a tantrum. We can avoid this and live peacefully with our little ones while staying sane! Here are some tips to try out at home:

1. Pick your battles. We are always going to bump heads with our little ones; they don't quite see things the way we do and that is completely okay. But you have to ask yourself, what things do I think are important above all else? You probably think something along the lines of their safety. When your child throws a tantrum because they do not want to wear their seat belt, that's one battle they they will not win. But is it really worth the tantrum on their part or a headache for you if you fight over which pair of shoes they want to wear? 2. Let them be a helper. We know that it is easier and quicker to do things by ourselves. But next time you are loading the dishwasher, have your toddler put the silverware in, or let them use the broom and sweep the floor. Toddlers love to help! It gives them a sense of self worth and autonomy. It is important to let them gain independence, with your guidance of course!3. Give them choices. Giving toddlers choices allows them to feel like the decision they make is important. If you want Susie to clean up, give her a choice! She may choose to clean up the dolls, or she may clean up the blocks. Either way, you are getting the result you want, and Susie feels good about herself.